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Australia take control of Day 4

Sunday, March 28 2004

Under fire Australian opener Justin Langer responded to criticism in the media over his lack of big scores in this Test series. Simon Katich responded to his controversial axing by making a patient 86.

Damien Martyn joined Langer at the crease following the dismissal of nightwatchman Jason Gillespie in the final over of day three's play at 80-3 with a overall lead of 74, Martyn made 5 before Rangana Hearth trapped Martyn LBW with the score on 89.

Darren Lehmann came to the crease in a rich vain of form and confidence following his first innings century, but nobody told Muttiah Muralitharan this as he dissmissed Lehmann for 1 caught behind by wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakarra. Australia was reduced to 98-5 with a lead of 92 and like on day 3, Sri Lanka had two crucial early wickets and that of Martyn and Lehmann whom the pair have been in stunning form throughout this series.

Katich joined Langer in the crease and for the next 65.1 overs, Katich played second fiddle to Langer who played aggressively and helped get Australia back in front. Katich was circumspect throughout his innings but his innings helped get Australia to lunch still 5 wickets down.

The Western Australian duo of Langer and Katich (even though Katich now ply's his trade with New South Wales) continued until tea still five wickets down and manged to get Australia over 250 in front. Langer responded to recent criticism by scoring his 18th Test century. Katich brought up his patient half century but his effort's were well and truely valuable.

Langer brought up his 150 and took their lead past 300. Sri Lanka got their breakthrough when their left arm pace bowler Chamdina Vaas bowled Langer for 166 off 295 balls with 13 fours and two sixes. Australia were 316-6 - a lead of 310 and a partnership of 218 for the sixth wicket.

Adam Gilchrist was next in and played the way only Adam Gilchrist knew how - scoring quickly as Australia continued to pile on the runs.

On 341 Sri Lanka broke through again with Muralitharan dismissing Katich LBW for 86 off 214 balls. Five runs later Hearth brought his nation back into the game dismissing Warne caught by Thilan Samaraweera for 0. Australia were at 346-8.

Gilchrist and Michael Kasprowicz put on 22 before before Kasprowicz was run out by Sanath Jayasuriya for three. Australia 368-9 - a lead of 362. Brad Williams - in for dumped leg spinner Stuart MacGill - made two before before being caught and bowled by Hearth for 2. Gilchrist finished unbeaten on 31. Muralithan's 3-93 takes him to 513 Test wickets and 28 for the series.

Australia was dismissed for 375 - a lead of 369. Sri Lanka came out to bat for 4 overs and put on 18 without loss.

Sri Lanka require another 352 more runs on day 5 but they have all ten wickets in hands. All eyes will be on Shane Warne as requires another 7 more wickets to give him 520 Test wickets - a new all-time Test record for Test wickets.

Australia 401
Sri Lanka 407
Australia 375 (Langer 166, Katich 86, Gilchrist 31*; Hearth 4-92, Muralitharan 3-93, Vaas 261)
Sri Lanka 18-0 (Jayasuriya 13*, Atapattu 5*)

Posted by Craig